(Armed herder. Photo by Nation News)
A kidnap survivor has alleged that armed herders in Benue State have set up a criminal base they call “Sambisa Forest” within Otukpo Local Government Area, using it as a holding ground for abducted victims during ransom negotiations.
Akubobi Fabian made the claims shortly after being freed following six days in captivity. He was seized along with other passengers when gunmen ambushed their vehicle around 9 p.m. near Ochobo Bridge on the Ojano Road corridor.
The attackers fired at the vehicle, burst a tyre, and forced occupants into the bush.
Fabian said the group initially assumed they were dealing with ordinary robbers, but were instead marched deep into the forest through the night before reaching the kidnappers’ camp.
During his captivity, Fabian said he was asked to pay a N10 million ransom, while some fellow captives were demanded as much as N20 million.
He was eventually released after his brother raised N1 million.
He alleged that the abductors openly referred to their hideout as “Sambisa Forest” a name synonymous with the Boko Haram stronghold in northeastern Nigeria and claimed the camp is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo.
He added that the kidnappers identified themselves as Fulani herders and operated in the area without apparent interference.
Citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed Fabian after his release, corroborated the claims, alleging that the same location has repeatedly served as a ransom collection point for multiple kidnappings along the Ojano Road axis, including cases involving students and travelers.
He expressed concern that criminal negotiations and payments are allegedly carried out there with little to no disruption.
Fabian confirmed that one person was killed during the attack that led to his abduction, and said survivors reported the incident to the police upon regaining their freedom.
The allegations have intensified concerns about deteriorating security in Benue South, particularly along the Otukpo-Ojano route.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not publicly responded to the claims regarding the alleged hideout.